Christian Theology & Praxis: Integrating Contemplation and Social Engagement

by Jonathan Masaru Nambu
June 1st, 2007
This research explores the value and impact of participatory, non-formal, integrated theological training, and spiritual formation for ministry practitioners in urban poor contexts in Metro Manila. The research project objectives are to design and implement a workshop in a retreat context for participatory non-formal learning that is biblical, theological, mindful of social change theories, practical, and rooted in the historic traditions of the church. The project seeks as well to be relevant, experiential, and based on the praxis model of learning that involves an action-reflection-action spiral. The project also seeks to assess the value and impact of this workshop with regards to four intended project outcomes:
1. Impact on the organization of Samaritana
2. Impact beyond Samaritana
3. Development of a transferable tool or template for training, capacity building,
and spiritual formation
4. Increased confidence and competence as paradigm and philosophy of ministry
are explored and articulated

The project builds on and refers to a review of literature in the areas of theology, especially considering theology of mission; holistic mission; and spirituality - with specific reference to contemplative spirituality and its interface with social action. In addition, literature related to key social change theories and models and dialogical and participatory adult learning theories and methods was reviewed.
Considering realities of the Filipino culture and social setting, and the needs of the organization, an integrative workshop was designed with a foundation of missiological theology, Old and New Testament paradigms and themes, and historic transformational models from church history. Workshop content drew on condensed themes from a seminary course, re-formatted using a non-formal learning pedagogy, and presented in a setting similar to a spiritual retreat, including communal prayers and guided reflections.

Twenty-one Christian development workers and members of local church congregations participated in a four-day workshop. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted after the workshop. Results were positive, indicating that the workshop will likely have a future impact not only on the host organization - Samaritana Transformation Ministries - but also beyond Samaritana. Research findings affirm that with some design modifications the workshop design may be a good, useful, and transferable template for future activities designed for integrated training, capacity building, and spiritual formation. Research substantiated the positive increase of confidence and competence of participants as a result of the workshop.